Conservation focused: I practice only "catch, photograph, and release".

High Personal Standards.

When you meet me, I will be clean shaven, comfortably but neatly dressed, and punctual. You will never hear me use profanity. I have never used alcohol, drugs, nor any tobacco products. I find such standards serve as a "least common denominator" to make men, women, or children, novices or experts feel at ease. Further, I go the extra expense, though not legally required, to carry liability insurance and remain CPR and First Aid qualified, both for your protection. Such things help me communicate to you that I am a professional out to do the best I can to make your trip with me a memorable one.

Here are the things that make "Holding the Line Guide Service" both unique and successful:

Due to the fact that I keep certified scales on the boat for weighing record class fish, we'll do our best to return both record and non-record fish to the water unharmed. Consistent, intelligent fishing pressure will negatively impact the fisheries resources of our local water bodies if catch and release is not practiced. Since most clients are visitors to Salado or Ft. Hood (and therefore without the means to clean, prepare, store, or cook fish), this conservation-minded policy rarely raises an eyebrow. It's a win-win!

"Stealth Guiding" to avoid the crowd.

Because neither guide nor customer appreciates fishing in a crowd or being followed from spot-to-spot by those unable to locate fish on their own, I take steps to proactively avoid this situation. In this way, I have been able to avoid a trailing entourage of boats that just "follow the guide boat". Our area lakes are relatively small lakes and the fisheries resources must be treated with care. You'll notice I have no decals or advertising logos on my boat for this reason. I've even been known to open the bail on hooked fish to avoid landing fish as curious boats come in for a look.

You get what you pay for.

We never return to the dock early just because we've caught a limit of fish (remember, we're catching and releasing). We'll return to the dock at the time we've agreed upon and which you've paid for, unless you tell me you'd like to conclude the trip earlier. I'll never stop a trip "by the clock" if we're in the middle of a hot bite. We'll fish that bite until it slows down, and just return a little late, if you're so willing.

Your fishing coach.

I love to teach people how to fish and how to fish better. If you tell me what you'd like to learn during your time on the water, I will make a point of it to coach you on that skill. Often requested topics include introductions to vertical jigging, marine electronics signal interpretation, downrigging, using various kinds of knots and rigging, and using various kinds of retrieves for locally effective artificial lures. For those just starting their fishing career, the fundamentals of casting, baiting hooks, and locating fish-holding bottom features and cover are also favorite topics. You should never consider yourself too inexperienced to choose me as your guide.

Downrigging Techniques.

Very few guide boats in all of Texas are equipped with downriggers. This is because downriggers are very difficult to learn how to use well, and most people don't have the patience to get through the steep learning curve involved with them. Others hesitate to dedicate limited boat space to these devices. The use of downriggers account for quality fish, and lots of them, especially during slow times of the day, and during the summer months when fish are predictably in 35-45+ feet of water.

Customized Adventures.

If you've got something out of the ordinary in mind ... like bowfishing for gar, jugfishing for catfish, flycasting to carp or drum ... just let me know. I've probably done it and would be glad to introduce you to these pursuits. Sorry, no requests for ice fishing can be accommodated.

Following your trip, I'll edit and forward to you all of the photos we've taken of your catch as well as a link to my blog, Facebook, and Twitter, where I will have recounted our trip. This allows you to forward this information to friends and family quickly.

A Note to Salado Visitors.

The Village of Salado is a unique little place just a stone's throw from the Stillhouse Hollow Lake Dam. Salado is comparable in its "feel" to the towns of Spring , Jefferson, Wimberley, and Gruene, TX. The pace of life in Salado is slow. There are many bed-and-breakfasts to choose from, antiques dealers to drop in on, small boutiques with friendly merchants to visit with, and much, much, more. Salado Creek runs through the center of town where horse-drawn carriages are a common sight. Many husbands book a half-day morning trip with me while their wives take a well-deserved morning to sleep in a little. Since I pick my clients up at the doorstep, there's no need to worry about transportation to "the shopping grounds" for the spouse who desires to stay behind. Couples can rejoin, freshen up before lunch, and spend the rest of the day taking in all that is Salado. When you call to book your trip, I can provide you with sound recommendations on lodging in Salado so your visit will not be disappointing.